Are you dying to get BCS Championship Game tickets for the game on January 8, 2007? eBay can be a great place to find tickets at a better price than many of the overpriced online ticket brokers. Sites such as StubHub charge a fee to both sellers and buyers, which can add up for higher-priced seats such as those for the BCS Championship Game.



Here are some tips to make your ticket purchasing experience better:

-Check the prices on similar listings. Some buyers get stuck in a bidding frenzy which can cause one listing to skyrocket while similar listings go for a more reasonable price.

-Know your seller. Check the seller's feedback score; your best bet is to go with the seller who has the best rating. See if they have sold other tickets recently and how long they have been a member.

-Know what seat you are buying. Don't blindly purchase a ticket based on the seller's description. Check the seating chart on the venue's web site and ask the seller questions. Is the view obstructed? Is it convenient to restrooms, food, and exits? Some sellers may even be able to provide a photo taken from the seat itself. Also, verify the number of tickets you are buying by looking in the "Details" section of the ad.

-Pay via PayPal, never with cash, a money order, or Western Union. PayPal's Buyer Protection will cover any losses up to $1,000 if you never receive your tickets. However, doing your research on your seller beforehand should eliminate this problem.

-Be wary of listings that tell you to "contact us directly" for better seats. There ARE legitimate sellers who do this to bypass eBay fees, but there are also scammers who do this to bypass eBay security. If you buy the tickets off eBay, you're not covered by eBay's fraud protection.

-Make sure the tickets are shipped through traceable mail with insurance. Spending an extra few dollars here can make a big difference. Ask for the packages to be shipped with a signature required at delivery so they aren't sitting in your mailbox or on your front porch.

To summarize: check similar listings for the going price, make sure you're purchasing from a reputable seller, research the exact seats you are bidding on, pay via PayPal, always make your purchase through eBay -- not through an off-the-record transaction, and be sure your tickets are sent so that they can be traced and insured. By using these tips, you should be able to find great tickets and be on your way to the BCS Championship Game in Glendale!